phd in health science education

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PhD in Health Sciences Education

• Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
• Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Health Sciences Education
• Medical and Health Sciences Education Electives
• Meakins Fellowship
• Class of Medicine 1970 Educational Award for Teaching Excellence and Innovation

Now accepting applications for Fall 2025.

Application Deadlines:

January 15, 2025 - International Applicants

February 3, 2025 - Domestic Applicants

The PhD in Health Sciences Education is a unique, interdisciplinary and interprofessional program offered by McGill University’s Institute of Health Sciences Education (IHSE), within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

This program uses a theoretical approach to guide aspiring researchers in health professions and health sciences education (HSE) to develop the skills to make conceptually informed design and methodological choices in their research projects.

After completing the program, students will join a new, innovative and fast-growing field in the health sciences, where researchers from a broad range of disciplines contribute practice-informed evidence that advances:

• societal health and well-being
• the quality and safety of patient care
• the education of the next generation of health care professionals.

As PhD students are based at the IHSE, a unit specially devoted to the field in Canada, they will also gain opportunities for networking, collaboration and mentorship, as well as access to research and clinical sites.

The PhD program is offered on a full-time basis at the IHSE, located on the McGill University campus in downtown Montreal.  

Who should apply?

This program is designed for qualified candidates from various disciplines (e.g. health professions, biomedical and natural sciences, humanities and social sciences, and education) who possess a strong background in teaching, mentoring, coaching and educational scholarship.

As this program focuses on theoretical perspectives and research design, it is expected that candidates aspire to produce original and theoretically informed research and contribute to new evidence within HSE.

Accepted candidates will be eager to develop expertise in research, educational scholarship, knowledge translation (including written and oral communication), leadership, research mentoring, capacity building, career development and grant writing.

Structure and Delivery

This four-year PhD program covers a broad spectrum of topics within health professions education and health sciences education.

Completing the PhD program involves:

• completing mandatory courses (see below) that focus on theoretical perspectives of relevant topics and research design during the first two years
• completing an advanced methodology course of the student’s choosing
• passing a comprehensive written and oral examination, which will cover the content of the mandatory courses and the student’s own research project
• producing, submitting and defending a PhD thesis, as an original and theoretically informed contribution to health sciences education.

During the third year, students are expected to continue to work on their thesis and are expected to submit their thesis by the end of the fourth year. Students will also deliver an oral defense of their research project.  

Course Information and Assessment

The following courses in the PhD program are mandatory in the first two years of the program:

Health Sciences Education: The relationship between research knowledge and health educational practice, including the continuum of knowledge creation and engagement; education and healthcare systems, including research on: policy, governance and regulation; program design and teaching and learning approaches in health sciences education (HSE); assessment and evaluation frameworks, including: quantitative and qualitative approaches; social accountability in HSE and HSE research including: equity, diversity and inclusion; and professional research skills, including: research management, academic communication in various genres, and research supervision.

Offered by: Health Sciences Education

• Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor
• Students must register for both HSED 702D1 and HSED 702D2
• No credit will be given for this course unless both HSED 702D1 and HSED 702D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
• Language of instruction is English.
• Peter I Nugus

Health Sciences Education: For description see HSED 702D1 .

• Prerequisite: HSED 702D1
• Winter 2025
• Maryam Wagner, Carlos A Gomez-Garibello

Health Sciences Education: Various frameworks, theories and methodologies that contribute to health sciences education (HSE) research, and how these elements fit together to make a particular project coherent. Examination of the character of inter-disciplinary academic contributions and foci in HSE research. Emphasis on different types of research perspectives (such as constructionism, postmodernism and positivism) and approaches (qualitative, quantitative, participatory and mixed-methods).

• Language of Instruction is English.
• Meredith E Young

Health Sciences Education: An examination process covering two components: a written component and an oral component. Submission of a written proposal for examination which, following responses or amendments and re-examination, is the basis of an oral examination. The comprehensive examination must be passed by all doctoral candidates in order to continue in the doctoral program.

• Prerequisites: HSED 702 , HSED 703
• Language of instruction is English

Program Details

Instructors and supervisors.

Tamara Carver , PhD, Director of the Office of Ed-TECH, Associate Professor, Institute of Health Sciences Education and Associate Member, Department of Surgery

Carlos Gomez-Garibello , PhD, Associate Professor, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Jason M. Harley , MA, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery and Associate Member, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Elizabeth Anne Kinsella , MAdEd, PhD, Director and Full Professor, Institute of Health Sciences Education and Associate Member, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy

Sylvie Lambert , RN, PhD, Associate Professor, Ingram School of Nursing and Principal Scientist, St. Mary’s Research Centre

Monica Molinaro , PhD, Assistant Professor, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Peter Nugus , MA (Hons), MEd, PhD, Associate Professor and Associate Director (Graduate Programs), Institute of Health Sciences Education and Associate Member, Department of Family Medicine and Department of Oncology

David Ragsdale , PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Associate Member, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Charo Rodríguez , MD, MSc, PhD, Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Associate Member, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Linda Snell , MD, MHPE, Professor and Associate Director (Outreach), Institute of Health Sciences Education and Professor, Department of Medicine

Yvonne Steinert , PhD, CM, Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Faculty Member, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Aliki Thomas , PhD, OT, Associate Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy and Associate Member, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Maryam Wagner , BSc, BEd, MEd, PhD, Associate Professor, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Meredith Young , BSc, PhD, Associate Director (Research) and Associate Professor, Institute of Health Sciences Education

Admission Requirements

Applicants must apply through McGill University's Slate application system . To be considered for this program, candidates must provide:

• The transcripts of the applicant should show a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 3.4 out of a possible maximum CGPA of 4.0, or a GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 for the last two years of full-time studies.
• A personal statement (1-2 pages)
• A curriculum vitae (CV) identifying the candidate’s formal qualifications, scholarly outputs, background or experience as an educator, work experience, any relevant prizes received, any financial awards/grants received for scholarly work, and any community or professional service that would demonstrate potential contribution to and engagement with the IHSE community.
• A writing sample (no more than 10 pages) that should showcase the candidate’s writing ability. It could be a published article, book chapter or assignment submitted in a previous course.
• Two written references, which should convey the candidate’s ability, attitude, commitment, productivity and work ethic, that would enable them to successfully complete a PhD in Health Sciences Education.
• A research proposal (up to 1-page description, does not include reference list) of your PhD research interests that you would want to pursue in your studies. You may wish to also describe methods and/or methodologies of interest to you. Although this is not expected to be a complete or final proposal, it should show that the candidate has given thought to the appropriate design and conduct of a research proposal that is situated in the field of health sciences education. It is suggested that the candidate use headings, such as Introduction/Background, Methodology and Expected Contributions.

The Slate application system has separate sections for uploading transcripts and details of referees. Other documents need to be uploaded under “Supporting Documents”. Candidates are also expected to attend an online or in-person interview with the prospective supervisor and the Associate Director (Graduate Programs) prior to or during the application process.

We expect candidates to ensure they meet the full criteria for admission before applying.

Research Domains

Students can choose from a range of topics within HSE research for their research project. At the IHSE, members are engaged in a wide variety of educational topics related to health care, including:

• Professionalism and Professional Identity Formation
• Faculty Development and Continuing Professional Development
• Innovations in Teaching and Learning
• Assessment and Program Evaluation
• Decision-Making and Clinical Reasoning
• Education and Health Care Systems

Cutting across these domains are the following principles and strategies, which reflect the IHSE’s commitment to patient- and learner-centred research:

• Advancement of Theory and Research Methodology
• Development of Policy and Practice
• Knowledge Translation
• Social Accountability

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for this program can be found on the Student Accounts website . On this site, you will find tuition fees and charges for each semester. These may fluctuate based on annual adjustments to the fees and charges.

For the duration of their PhD, students are required to apply for scholarships each year to fund their studies.

Benefits and Professional Opportunities

Upon completion of the PhD in Health Sciences Education, the student is expected to be able to:

Design, conduct and disseminate a conceptually coherent and ethical research project, which makes an original contribution to the field of HSE research

Demonstrate a core area of content expertise, based on detailed understanding of different approaches and perspectives related to HSE research

• Demonstrate a core area of methodological expertise relevant to HSE research

Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between topics in HSE research, and the conceptual, professional, policy, translational and social accountability implications of various HSE research topics and perspectives

Facilitate knowledge production and knowledge exchange from a range of conceptual and methodological perspectives, to address a range of research and applied challenges in HSE

Engage and develop new ways of learning that result in interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration, with strong understanding of and ability to navigate complex applied health services and contextual issues

Develop HSE research networks both within academia as well as the broader health sciences, educational, institutional, and policy-oriented communities to facilitate knowledge translation and exchange

Furthermore, the student may find employment in:

A medicine and health sciences faculty within a university as a professor, researching and teaching health sciences education

The health system, as a clinician-educator or clinical education manager (e.g. medical or surgical residency director, or nursing preceptor)

The health system or in a university, undertaking research and practice in the management and facilitation of accreditation, curriculum development, learning, or assessment and evaluation

Policy-making in education or health care

Industry, as a strategic learning development lead in, for example, the biotech, pharmaceutical or medical equipment industry

For more information, please contact: Institute of Health Sciences Education Lady Meredith House, Room 205 1110 Pine Avenue West Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A3 E-mail: gradcoord-ihse.med [at] mcgill.ca

Please note: McGill University reserves the right to make changes to the program, content, and services as it deems necessary.

Department and University Information

Institute of health sciences education.

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Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion Program Guide

Today, a poor diet is tied to excess — excess calories, fats, sugars, and sodium, according to the National Institutes of Health . High rates of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases are on the rise in the U.S., at times even shortening life expectancy to the same levels as cigarette smoking.

Earning a Ph.D. in health education can put you at the forefront of researchers, academics, and practitioners working to address this growing crisis. In this program, you’ll learn all about healthcare and how to educate others on healthy living.

What Is a Doctorate in Health Education?

A doctorate in health education takes a multidisciplinary approach to health promotion and disease prevention.

Doctoral programs in health education and promotion typically last 3-5 years. They often begin with a year of fundamental knowledge-building, allowing you to deepen your understanding of the principles of public health.

You can then specialize in a particular health education area and hone your research and methodology skills. Doctoral students must also complete and defend a dissertation .

You can earn a Ph.D. or a doctor of education (Ed.D.) in health education and promotion. Ph.D. programs usually focus more heavily on research, whereas Ed.D. programs emphasize education practice.

Doctoral programs in health education and promotion prepare you to develop, implement, and evaluate health programs, as well as to become a leading teacher and researcher in the field.

Featured Online Health Education Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Ph.D. in Health Education Courses and Concentrations

Doctoral students in health education explore the environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants of health and healthy behavior. You’ll also learn about effective health education programming.

You can specialize in certain areas such as nutrition or prenatal health. Or, you can concentrate on helping certain subpopulations, such as children from low-income households.

Ph.D. programs in health education typically include classwork, field experience, and a dissertation. Some sample courses you might take include:

• Theory and science of health education: A survey course on the historical, philosophical, and theoretical issues in the field.
• Planning and administering health education programs: A look at various models for effective health education and health promotion.
• Advanced evaluation of health education and health promotion: A methodology course on monitoring and evaluating health program outcomes and best practices for program development.
• Advanced biostatistics in health research: A course meant to deepen your understanding of statistical concepts in health-related research.
• Environmental health promotion : A study of the environment and its influence on health and disease.
• Health disparities: An examination of how race, culture, gender, and economics impact the way people experience health and healthcare, and strategies to engage diverse populations.

How to Get a Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion

A Ph.D. in health education and promotion is a serious commitment of time and money, but can be well worth it if your goal is to help people and communities live healthier lives.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. in Health Education?

Most doctorate in health education and promotion programs take 3-5 years.

That said, how long you spend on your degree will ultimately depend on the program you choose and whether you already have a master’s degree in a relevant field.

The University of South Carolina’s Ph.D. program , for example, requires 36 credits of coursework for those entering the program with a master’s degree and 48 credits for those without a master’s degree.

Can You Get a Ph.D. in Health Education Online?

Several schools offer online and hybrid doctoral programs in health education and promotion. This type of learning can benefit busy professionals who want more control over the pace of their studies.

Here are some examples of online and hybrid health education doctoral programs:

• Columbia University’s Teachers College actively welcomes Ed.D. in health education students who are busy parents and working professionals. The school boasts evening courses starting as late as 7:20 p.m. and hosts many hybrid and online classes .
• George Washington University ‘s doctor of health sciences leadership in clinical practice and education program offers all coursework online, with just two required weekend residencies in Washington, D.C.
• The American College of Education ‘s Ed.D. in public health education is 100% online, with staggered start dates throughout the year.

How to Apply for a Ph.D. in Health Education Program

Applying for a health education Ph.D. program can take time. Make sure you begin the process early and keep track of application deadlines .

Typically, health education Ph.D. candidates must have a master’s in health education or a relevant subject and at least a 3.0 GPA. Some schools might waive the master’s degree requirement in lieu of additional coursework or work experience .

Other common application materials include:

Occasionally, doctoral programs, such as Texas A&M’s Ph.D. in health education , might require a writing sample and/or an interview .

How Much Does a Ph.D. in Health Education Cost?

A Ph.D. can cost upwards of $40,900 a year in tuition and living expenses , according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Many people take 3-5 years to earn their doctorates, which can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in higher education.

Many Ph.D. in health education candidates, however, earn a stipend as they pursue their degrees or receive scholarships and grants . Doctoral students can hold teaching fellowships at universities and assist with research to reduce their educational costs and debt.

Around 58% of doctoral recipients graduated with $0 in debt for their doctoral studies, the NCES reports . Average debt amounts for those who borrowed money to pay for their doctorates was around $26,140.

What Can I Do With a Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion?

Health education and promotion is a growing field, with researchers and practitioners needed, especially as the U.S. seeks to improve health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

Jobs With a Ph.D. in Health Education

Health education specialists held about 62,100 jobs in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many work for the government, at hospitals, or in healthcare centers . Some also work in social assistance and educational service agencies.

Health education and promotion centers on the idea that teaching people about health and wellness can improve communities and prevent disease.

The BLS projects that jobs for health education specialists will grow 7% between 2023 and 2033.

This above-average growth rate is anticipated, in part, because the government, healthcare providers, and social services agencies are seeking to improve health outcomes while reducing healthcare costs, according to the BLS.

According to STAT, American taxpayers offered $1.8 trillion in federal and state healthcare expenditures in 2022 — about 41% of total healthcare spending.

Quality health education and promotion reduces healthcare spending and boosts individual productivity, lessening the amount of work missed due to preventable illnesses and disease.

How Much Money Can I Make With a Ph.D. in Health Education?

Health education specialists made a median annual salary of $62,860 in 2023, according to the BLS. Those working in hospitals boast the highest median salaries, at $79,460 per year.

Ph.D.-holders tend to make more money than those with master’s degrees or bachelor’s degrees as their highest degrees earned, as they often take on program management, development, or executive roles.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Ph.D. in Health Education Program

It’s important to consider program cost, length, and type as you research schools offering Ph.D. programs in health education and promotion.

Earning a Ph.D. in health education can mean a big investment of time and money.

Consider all your living costs, including housing, transportation, and food, when you assess whether a Ph.D. program is right for you. The average cost of tuition and fees for graduate school amounted to $20,513 a year, according to the NCES .

It’s important to look into scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options for grad students. Many Ph.D. students work as they earn their degrees by teaching classes or assisting with research.

Program Length

When enrolling in a Ph.D. in health education program, you’ll need to decide how much time you can dedicate to studying, homework, and research.

Many students who can commit to full-time study earn their doctorates in health education in three years. Students without a master’s degree in a health-related or social sciences discipline, however, should expect to take longer.

Part-time coursework is a popular option for working professionals. While this approach is slower, you can continue building your career as you pursue your Ph.D.

Accreditation

Attending an accredited college is essential when earning a doctorate in health education. Accreditation indicates that your school meets minimum quality standards and awards widely recognized credentials.

Some jobs in health education require licensure or certification . To earn this, you must graduate from an accredited school.

The same applies if you hope to become a teacher — you’ll typically need a teaching license from an accredited college.

Program Format

Whether you choose to pursue your degree completely online, attend classes, or explore a hybrid schedule will depend on your learning style and needs.

Remote or hybrid learning can benefit working professionals and parents who have less time to attend class. Asynchronous options allow you to move through the curriculum at your own pace.

In-person programs also have benefits, of course. Complex concepts can often be more easily understood when learning alongside your peers. You might also get more opportunities for professional networking .

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PhD in Health Sciences Online Research in the Health Sciences Field

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Take Your Next Step as an Allied Health Professional with Liberty’s Online Doctorate in Health Sciences

Are you an allied health professional seeking a terminal degree? Do you have a passion for teaching at the college level, helping people lead healthier lifestyles, serving patients in a clinical setting, or equipping athletes to perform at their best? If so, conferring Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences could help you achieve excellence in your field. Whether you’re looking to pursue higher-level clinical roles, or you want to help train up the next generation of scientists and scholars, our health sciences program provides valuable training that can help prepare you for new roles and responsibilities.

Throughout this doctoral degree in health sciences, you’ll study advanced topics in leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. Our goal is to help build on your previous education and experience so you can pursue new job opportunities in the field of allied health. By completing our online PhD in Health Sciences, you can strengthen your effectiveness as a professor, scientist, scholar, or industry leader.

Partner with us and train to lead with excellence and integrity in teaching, research, service, and health care!

What Will You Study in Our Doctoral Degree in Health Sciences ?

Throughout this program, you can learn how to conduct original research, serve diverse populations, and apply ethical principles to complex healthcare discussions. The core content of our doctoral degree in health sciences covers healthcare delivery systems, ethical issues, leadership strategies, risk management, and evidence-based practices in health sciences. You can also explore how to meet the needs of various learners and utilize effective methods for instruction and evaluation — strengthening your ability to teach at the college level.

Additionally, you’ll explore quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics as they relate to the health sciences discipline. By studying important literature in the field, you can prepare to conduct original research for your dissertation. The dissertation process provides an opportunity for you to contribute your own scholarly work to the base of knowledge in your field. You’ll also have the freedom to select a specialization and pursue a focused area of study that best matches your interests and career goals.

Featured Courses

• HSCI 710 – Healthcare Delivery Systems
• HSCI715 – Cultural Competency in Health Sciences
• HSCI 730 – Risk Management in Health Sciences
• HSCI 810 – Advanced Literature Review

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Health Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Health Sciences Course Guides   (login required) .

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

Whether you’re interested in research, administration, policy, education, or exercise science, our PhD in Health Sciences online is designed to help you become a leader in this rapidly growing field.

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, Liberty is committed to offering programs that blend flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. With our PhD in Health Sciences, you can hone your skill set and become equipped to help meet the need for allied health personnel and faculty.

Here are some of the benefits of pursuing Liberty’s doctorate in health sciences:

• Online Courses  | Our health sciences program is offered 100% online, so you can earn your degree on your schedule. Our top-notch online learning environment allows you to network with other professionals and receive a quality education without having to leave the comfort of home. Most importantly, you can stay invested in the things that matter — like your family, job, and community — while taking the next step in your academic journey.
• Respected Credentials  | Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). You can pursue your health sciences PhD with confidence knowing that our programs have met rigorous academic standards and accreditation requirements.
• Flexible Degree Options  | While pursuing this PhD program, you’ll be able to personalize your plan of study. For example, the general track has no set courses — so you can select classes that align with your career goals or that best support your dissertation topic.
• Valuable Mentorship  | Throughout this health sciences program, you’ll study under faculty who have years of experience working in sports performance, exercise science, healthcare administration, and other related fields. With their guidance, you can develop the skills needed to help meet the complex needs of the healthcare community.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Careers for PhD in Health Sciences Graduates

• Exercise physiologist
• Healthcare administrator
• Healthcare communications specialist
• Medical assistant
• Nutritional consultant
• Public health worker

Degree Options for the PhD in Health Sciences Program

At Liberty, you can customize your health sciences degree by selecting a specialization in the area that interests you the most.

Exercise and Sport Science

Liberty University’s 100% online  PhD in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science  degree is designed to help further your knowledge in the areas of sport performance, exercise science, and occupational performance. Our goal is to help you pursue advanced roles in sports science, kinesiology, strength training and conditioning, and more.

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Healthcare Leadership

Liberty University’s 100% online  PhD in Health Sciences – Healthcare Leadership  degree allows you to personalize your degree to match your unique academic and career goals. In addition to taking core research and health sciences courses, you can complete several specialized courses in an area of your choosing.

Trauma-Informed Care

Liberty University’s 100% online  PhD in Health Sciences – Trauma-Informed Care  degree can help equip you to work with victims of trauma using best practices in crisis and first responder training, community response, assessment and testing, and empirically supported treatments. This program is one of the first of its kind to teach trauma from an allied health perspective, as most programs cover trauma in an education or behavioral science context.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Liberty’s Doctoral Degree in Health Sciences

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liberty accredited.

Liberty University is accredited by  SACSCOC , the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Are there networking opportunities in this program?

You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders and experts in allied health from across the country while pursuing your online health sciences degree. Additionally, you will have access to our Career Center where you can pursue valuable career development opportunities for online students and alumni such as career fairs and the Handshake network.

Is the program flexible?

Our 100% online courses give you the freedom to earn your degree on your schedule.

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• What Will You Study?
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• Specializations
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The Department of Population Health Sciences develops critically-thinking, creative, and collaborative research scientists that are passionate about improving healthcare for all. The doctoral program equips students with the knowledge and tools they will need to research and work alongside health systems, government agencies, non-profits, industry, and others pursuing improved health of populations.

Admission Deadlines

Application Deadline : The application for 2024-2025 admissions  to the Population Health Sciences PhD program has opened, and will close on December 2, 2024.

Prospective students are NOT expected NOR encouraged to identify a primary mentor prior to submitting their application. The DPHS Education leadership team handles this process. They will identify potential faculty matches based on your research interests early in the admissions process, ensuring a strong fit with a faculty advisor if you are offered admission.

The online degree application asks you to identify potential mentors from our department; this is only for informational purposes, to give the DPHS Admissions committee a sense of which DPHS faculty members’ research you feel particularly aligned with. You do not need to get approval or permission from faculty members to make these identifications in your application. Those admitted will have the opportunity to reach out to potential mentors after receiving a decision on your application.

Guidance on identifying faculty members who align with your interests:

• Reflect on your research passions: What excites you in your field?
• Consider areas that align with your values and career goals.
• Look for faculty engaged in research that complements your own interests.

But remember, the admissions committee will take the lead in matching you with a faculty advisor.

About the PhD in Population Health Sciences

The Duke PopHealth PhD program prepares researchers to formulate important research questions, design studies to answer them, organize resources to carry out relevant studies, and analyze the results to contribute scientific and policy insights. Our coursework, experiential learning, and professional development help prepare PhD students to be leaders in the population health field.

Our faculty are world-renowned for their expertise and strengths in the following areas:

• Health Measurement. Learn more
• Implementation Science. Learn more
• Health Policy
• Health Services Research
• Health Economics

Why Choose Duke for a PhD in Population Health Sciences?

The department, which is part of the Duke University School of Medicine, offers Ph.D. candidates a unique and rich setting in which to acquire that foundation and then use it to complete their studies and dissertation research. Ph.D. students can:

Access Duke's  PopHealth DataShare , which provides access and consultation to large data sets from federal and state government sources as well as a private insurer

Tap into Duke PopHealth’s partnerships with world-class institutions like  Duke Cancer Institute ,  Duke Clinical Research Institute ,  Duke Global Health Institute , and  Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy

Connect with Duke PopHealth’s  Center for Health Measurement , the  BASE Lab ,  QualCore , and  INTERACT  (Implementation Science Research Collaborative) – which each offer specialized research support.

Enjoy proximity to Duke Health, which provides most of the health care in Durham County. Students can also connect with the Durham Veterans Administration Medical Center and  ADAPT Center .